What is the meaning of Psalm 56:5? All day long they twist my words • David is lamenting a nonstop campaign of verbal distortion. The opposition does not merely misunderstand; they purposely “twist” what he says, turning truth into a weapon (cf. Psalm 52:2, “Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit,”). • This is a picture of the righteous suffering under slander, a theme echoed later when false witnesses rise against Christ (Mark 14:56). • Continuous pressure—“all day long”—reminds us that trials often come in relentless waves (Psalm 41:5; Jeremiah 20:10). • For believers today: – Expect misrepresentation when you stand for truth (John 15:20). – Guard your own speech so that you never mirror the tactics of the wicked (Ephesians 4:29). All their thoughts are on my demise • The same people who mangle David’s words also meditate on his ruin. Their minds are set on harm, not reconciliation (Psalm 35:4, “May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame,”). • The phrase underscores intent: destruction is premeditated, not accidental (Psalm 140:2). • Though human enemies plot, the greater adversary is spiritual (1 Peter 5:8). David’s confidence later in the psalm—“This I know: God is for me” (v. 9)—answers their plots with faith. • For the believer: – Recognize that hostility toward God’s people is ultimately hostility toward God (Acts 9:4). – Rest in divine protection; no scheme can succeed outside His sovereign will (Romans 8:31). summary Psalm 56:5 exposes a two-fold assault: words twisted and destruction plotted. David’s experience foreshadows the Suffering Servant and instructs every follower of Christ. Expect slander, discern malicious intent, yet remain steadfast, confident that God hears, keeps record, and will vindicate His own. |
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